DATE=3/8/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=CLINTON - CHINA - WTO (L)
NUMBER=2-260000
BYLINE=DEBORAH TATE
DATELINE=WHITE HOUSE
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:


INTRO:   President Clinton Wednesday submitted 
legislation to Congress that would grant China 
permanent normal trade privileges  - paving the way 
for a tough battle over trade, particularly with 
lawmakers from his own Democratic party.  In a speech 
in Washington, Mr. Clinton argued the measure is in 
the US national interest.   Correspondent Deborah Tate 
reports from the White House.



Text:   Mr. Clinton calls the vote on China's trade 
status the most signficant opportunity to create 
positive change in that country since the 1970's, when 
President Richard Nixon visited Beijing and later when 
President Jimmy Carter normalized relations.

But the measure to extend permanent normal trade ties 
to China - a necessary step for Beijing's accession to 
the World Trade Organization - faces significant 
opposition from House Democrats,who - backed by their 
labor union allies - believe greater trade with China 
would erode labor and environmental standards.   Other 
lawmakers are reluctant to back the measure in light 
of Beijing's questionable human rights record and its 
recent threats to use force against Taiwan. 

Mr. Clinton acknowledges such concerns, but argues 
greater trade with China would inevitably lead to 
positive change there.

	            // Clinton actuality //

      I believe the choice between economic rights and 
      human rights, between economic security and 
      national security is a false one.   Membership 
      in the WTO of course will not create a free 
      society in China overnight, or guarantee that 
      China will play by global rules.   But over 
      time, I believe that over time, it will move 
      China faster and further in the right direction, 
      and certainly will do that more than rejection 
      would.


	            // end act //

The President says the trade agreement would open the 
markets of the world's most populous nation to US 
products - creating American jobs, not losing them to 
China as critics' contend:

	            // Clinton actuality //

      For the first time our companies will be able to 
      sell and distribute products in China made by 
      workers here in America without being forced to 
      relocate manufacturing to China, sell through 
      the Chinese government, or transfer valuable 
      technology, for the first time.  We will be able 
      to export products without exporting jobs.


            // end act //

Under a deal reached last November, Beijing agreed to 
open more of its markets to foreign goods in exchange 
for Washington agreeing to support China's entry into 
the WTO.

Mr. Clinton says Chinese leaders realize that if they 
open their country's markets to global competition, 
they risk unleashing forces beyond their control:  
temporary unemployment, social unrest, and greater 
demands for freedom.  But, he says, they also know 
that without such competition, China will not be able 
to attract the investment necessary to build a modern, 
successful economy.  And that, he warns, could be even 
more destabilizing.

The President appealed to Congress to support China's 
decision - saying to do otherwise would be - in his 
words - a mistake of historic proportions.

Mr. Clinton would like the House and Senate to vote on 
the legislation by June to avoid having the issue 
become politicized in the run-up to November's general 
elections.  

	            // rest opt //

Earlier, White House spokesman Joe Lockhart announced 
Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman and Commerce 
Secretary William Daley will each take a group of 
lawmakers to China next month.  MR. Lockhart says the 
more members of Congress learn about the benefits of 
opening China's markets to US businesses and workers, 
the more likely they will vote for permanent normal 
trade relations for that country. (signed)



NEB/DAT/PT




08-Mar-2000 19:38 PM EDT (09-Mar-2000 0038 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America
.